|
Sat, Oct 27, 07 at 20:37
| Hi,
I'm thinking about growing a bonsai but couldn't find answer to this anywhere: how do you control the height of a bonsai tree? Do you cut the top? or cut the roots so they can't provide for a bigger plant? Or is there any other technique?
|
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Well, you started the seeds at a bad time, and maybe you should wait til a more appropriate time, but a couple of things matter - did you cold stratify the oak and quince seeds? If not, they probably won't germinate anyway, and if the lemon does, you would keep it indoors (as a tropical) anyway. But that's not the best way to start out in bonsai anyhow, as it'll be years before you have anything workable. Most bonsai are cut back from larger stock and then branches regrown, sometimes many times. However, there is a LOT more involved, and you need to learn first about various types of trees, which are suitable to grow in your environment (tropicals only for indoors), and in which season to do what to which trees, how to mix the proper ingredients for bonsai 'soil' (usually very little soil as such is used), how to water which tree - it's not like a houseplant at all, how to provide proper lighting, and a lot more. Very important is knowing which trees need to live outdoors all year to get months of cold (below freezing) dormancy, and which cannot, which season to prune branches and/or roots, and how to develop them properly for bonsai, and then how to style the trees - all of which are done over years - there's no such thing as an instant bonsai. You need to do some reading, look high and low for a local club (or even one not so local that you at least talk to if not attend regularly, and take a look at a few sites for tips - www.bonsai4me.com, www.bonsaisite.com/forums, www.evergreengardenworks.com, and www.bonsaihunk.us/cultural.html. Good luck - don't rush out and spend your money yet as trees will need knowledgable care from the minute you bring them home. |
|
| thanks I have some experience as I used to have big garden with different trees and plants and know exactly how to prune them and which branches to remove and all those little things. But bonsais look so much more delicate and vulnerable. I wouldn't hesitate cutting a branch from a normal tree if it was to improve tree condition or to give it a proper shape. I would be afraid to do the same to bonsai :/ I cold stratified both oak and quince and am planning on collecting some branches from wipping willow. Still you didn't really answered my question about keeping bonsai small. I know I will have to wait for trying it but would appreciate some straightforward answers. Plus even if I buy a small maple or another tree I'll still need to know it. As you see I'm pretty stubborn looking for the answers ;) Please be patient with me - as I said I'm new to bonsai |
|
| Well, I did say they are usually cut back from larger stock... but as well, when you repot yearly, or every 2-3 yrs, you cut back old and long roots by 1/3-1/2 and try to spread remaining roots relatively laterally so they fit into bonsai pots, which are more shallow than flower pots, but even those are not necessarily used until the tree is more or less 'finished' (could be years) as they will restrict growth to a trickle, though still need repotting 'checks' every couple of yrs to root prune, and of course you trim foliage when necessary and to keep the style you're going for. But again, there's more to it all, and you're not going to learn properly from a few online tips. And sometimes having done a lot of garden growing can be a problem as there can be things that need 'unlearning' to do bonsai. What many people do to achieve the old and interesting look of trees in nature is to plant them young right into the ground (no special soil, though gritty is usually better than soft stuff made for flowers) for ?? years, which is the fastest way to fatten the trunks, and trunk development in early years is what bonsai is mostly all about - the tops are ignored as they'll usually be cut off in time anyway to grow new ones. |
|
| thanks :) I'm wondering if you could suggest what to do with this: www.plant-force.co.uk/plants.php?id=332&ppid=8 I bought one today but am afraid to cut it, reshape it or anything. From what it looks like it's probably about 2 yrs old. The trunk is still quite thin though. |
|
| You're not only desperate (impatient), you don't really want my advice, so I'm not sure there's much point in trying to help now. What you need to do now is keep it alive through next spring, but it's not an easy one, and I can almost guarantee it won't happen. Shaping it is the least of your worries. |
|
| Silk, I dont wish to rain on your parade, You have exactly the opposite problem to me. I live in a climate where Maples, Azaleas, Hawthorn, and just about every standard bonsai tree dies. I have had to adapt to my environment. Your conifer is a mediteranian tree. What you really need to do if you cant wait to get into bonsai, is to log into bonsai4me.com. Then go to your local nursery & buy some trees that suit your local conditions. About the only really successfull trees that are easy to grow in Queensland are figs. Cant kill em. That doesnt mean I dont try other types of trees. You would have local trees that are a lot easier for you to grow, than a tropical conifer. I didnt say not to do it, just be aware that your chances are slim. Ron |
|
| People kill figs every day (unfortunately). |
|
| Yes they do lucy. The point I was trying to make is that picking a tree that isnt native to your area( or similar climates), causes extra problems for the grower. Figs for me are easy, Jacaranda is a little bit different. Possibly the best way to get an easy start in bonsai is to take a quick look around at what is growing in the ground. Im not an expert, but I try different trees to see if they work or not. I dont get upset if one is unsuccessful due to the joy I get from working them. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Bonsai Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.